Leland Booker is serving a life sentence for killing his wife and their two daughters. All hope for justice is lost until forty years later when Adam Bennett, a young law student, takes on the case. Adam determines that his only chance for success rests on his ability to prove Leland was wrongfully convicted.His research leads him to Jean Jankowski, a close friend of the Booker family.

When Jean hears the case is reopened, the past rushes back. As she spins her story of the events leading up to the murders, Adam begins to suspect the police withheld critical evidence, a basis for wrongful conviction. Adam and Jean travel to Florida to secure the proof they need, but when they arrive they discover their witness has been murdered.

The two cases intertwine when fingerprints found at the murder scene implicate Henry Rusak, the Bookers’ handyman. Jean refuses to believe Rusak is a killer, even after the police turn up evidence that confirms his guilt. When Jean visits Leland to give him the news, she is shocked to learn all was not as it appeared in the Booker household. She sets out to expose the real killer, a cold-blooded murderer who will stop at nothing to protect a dark secret.

With a myriad of twists and turns, Wrongful Convictionexplores the world of a justice system gone wrong. This legal thriller will keep the reader guessing until the last page is turned.

“Wrongful Conviction is an expertly crafted page-turner that is guaranteed to thrill readers, not only with a satisfying conclusion to the mystery, but also with a heart-warming dose of justice. Put this on your must-read list!” –Shannon Esposito, author of the Pet Psychic Mystery series

“Gripped by a murder that happened forty years in her past, Jean Jankowski can’t move forward in life until she finds the killer of a beautiful young woman and her two children. In the process, she must also free another innocent victim of the crime. Wrongful Conviction is an intricate puzzle. Putting the pieces into place is as fascinating for the reader as it is crucial for Jean Jankowski, Heijens spellbound but determined protagonist.” –Louise Titchener, author of over forty novels of romantic suspense, and mystery, including Malpractice from her Baltimore Historical Mystery Series.

“Heijens has written a character-driven legal thriller where the past and present collide to reveal dark secrets and expose the truth. The transitions between the 30-year-old past and the present day are deftly handled to keep the reader engaged and guessing to the end.” –Cheryl Hollon, author of the Webb Glass Shop Mysteries

Book Description:Shaped by their mountain landscape, as well as each other, imaginative Maylene Farley and Marcus Lilly grow up as close as twin fawns in the mid-nineteenth century. Soon after the threat of a competitor for Maylene’s affection is resolved, their friendship turns to romance. However, Marcus is conscripted by the Confederacy and drawn into the Civil War. On the home front, turmoil reigns as West Virginia succeeds in breaking away from Virginia, turning Confederate turf into a new Union state.

Surviving two close calls and a serious illness, Marcus returns at last to Madam’s Creek to find Maylene gaunt almost beyond recognition, a community marred by murder and mistrust, and his family altered by tragedy. But a more devastating shock, completely unexpected, awaits him at the Farley home. Healed from physical damage, Marcus struggles to mend emotionally as the sweet reunion he anticipated is instead a painful wedge growing between him and the refuge—Maylene—he held onto throughout the war. The couple soon learns that the biggest threat to their relationship is not the separation and anxiety imposed by the national conflict; it is something much harder to face head-on… until a remark from a “well-meaning” gossip tears open their shrouded wounds. It is then that a crucial secret is unveiled, and it comes from a source neither Maylene nor Marcus ever considered.

Advance Praise:“In the tradition of New York Times bestseller Cold Mountain, Reeder delivers a richly satisfying tale set in the hills of what would soon become West Virginia. Madam’s Creek explores the power of love and the sting of betrayal in a land shattered by war. The magnificent landscape of the New River serves as a backdrop for the tender love story of Marcus and Maylene, fully human characters sure to win your hearts.” – Donna Meredith, author of The Glass Madonna and The Color of Lies

“Betsy Reeder’s Madam’s Creek is real and organic, as if she lived through that period of time. The characters feel authentic. The natural world is as it must have been. As one who has also chased authenticity attempting to infuse life into local history, I am in awe.” –Jon Averill, writer/producer of Averell’s Raiders and the 35th Star and Passing Thru Sandstone.

Betsy Reeder grew up in then-rural Maryland and later found her way to Central Appalachia, where she works as a writer and biologist. Her avocations include walking, birding, haphazard gardening, creative writing, political activism, volunteerism, spiritual exploration, natural history, local history, captivating novels, music, animals (both wild and tame), and every second spent with family and friends. She is especially grateful to have realized her long-held dream of a home in the mountains.

Janet Heijens and her husband Pieter are hosting an RSVP wine and cheese book launch party at the Landings Racquet Club in Sarasota this Friday, April 7th. Over a hundred fans are expected to turn out for the occasion.

Heijens was inspired to write her latest novel by an article she read in the Sarasota Herald Tribune about human trafficking victims. "I wanted to highlight the plight of these girls, especially those who are brought into this country illegally by Mexican smuggling cartels." That's when Snook Wallow, the first book in the Wrongful Conviction Mystery series was conceived. It follows the success of her debut novel, Wrongful Conviction, which drew critical acclaim from Kirkus Reviews, "Heijens premieres a rare heroine who's both gritty and reflective. Here's hoping for a series."

In Snook Wallow, the story is set in the Venice-Sarasota-Bradenton areas, and locals may recognize a popular area haunt called Snook Haven as the setting where the murder takes place. Heijens assures us, however, that she knows of no murders ever having happened there.

NYT Bestselling author, Lisa Black says, “Snook Wallowis a fast-paced thriller with fun, complex characters and a plot that will keep you guessing. I couldn't put it down.”

The story: After ten years on death row for murdering a Jane Doe, Logan Murphy is nearing the end of the line. Logan’s last hope rests with Cate Stokes, a retired lawyer who reluctantly agrees to take his case. Cate’s relentless pursuit of the truth leads her to the discovery of a human trafficking ring in South Florida and the chilling realization that Jane Doe was not their only victim.

Heijens is a founding member of the Sarasota Literary Guild, Mystery Writers of America and Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime. She lives with her husband, Pieter in Sarasota, Florida.

Georgia author, Denise Weimer, celebrates the April release of her final book in The Restoration Trilogy, Witch, with a book signing from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at The Washington Spring Art Festival on the Square in Washington, GA.

In Weimer’s newest Restoration Trilogy, when Jennifer Rushmore accepts a brooding bachelor’s job offer to act as coordinator for the restoration of his family’s historic doctor’s house (White), apothecary (Widow) and log cabin (Witch) in a rural Georgia community, little does she know it’s her own heart that will undergo the greatest renovation.

In book three, having restored Michael Johnson’s ancestors’ house and apothecary shop and begun applying the lessons of family and forgiveness unearthed from the past, Jennifer Rushmore expects to complete her first preservation job with the simple relocation of a log home. But as her crew reconstructs the 1787 cabin, home to the first Dunham doctor, attacks on those involved throw suspicion on neighbors and friends alike. And while Jennifer has trusted God and Michael with the pain of her past, it appears Michael’s been keeping his own secrets. Will she use a dream job offer from Savannah as an escape, or will a haunting tale from a Colonial diary convince her to rely on the faithfulness of his love?

The trilogy involves lessons on the healing of the heart from three different centuries unearthed by the modern characters as they restore each building, and one very dangerous buried mystery. The spiritual focus, says Weimer, lies in how only God, the Master Renovator, can bring us to wholeness.Weimer’s novels receive enthusiastic reviews from critics, bloggers and authors alike. Amazon best-selling author Heather Blanton called White “spell-binding,” while Timeless Christian Romance says, “Widow is a firmly-packed, beautifully descriptive tale that flows through a century in the most addictive way, especially for the renovating romantic hooked on supernatural mystery.”

Weimer is the author of romantic novella Redeeming Grace and The Georgia Gold Series. Sautee Shadows, The Gray Divide, The Crimson Bloom, and Bright as Gold, winner of The 2015 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Literature, feature historical romance set in Northeast Georgia and Savannah between Georgia’s Gold Rush and Reconstruction.

Witch is available from Canterbury House Publishing (14.95 trade paperback, ISBN:978-0997011975) through bookstore chains, online stores including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For more information on Denise Weimer's upcoming signing tour and blog tour, visit http://deniseweimerbooks.webs.com and check out her calendar.

We are pleased to announce that Wendy Dingwall, President and Publisher of Canterbury House has taken on a new partner. Meet Linda L. Sack:

Linda is a lover of life! She treasures history and is a collector of books of all kinds.

She began her career in Finance and using her creative talents, she wrote and designed sales materials, and presentations for personal and corporate portfolios addressing asset and liability investment strategies.

Her publishing credits include poems and artwork in the Paumanok, Poems and Pictures of Long Island. She has gone on to write several books ranging from prayer books, Biblical teaching books, and a memoir prose/art book. As an artist, she owns an antique Kelsey Excelsior printing press which integrates Letterpress and other mediums to produce her own creative style of art.

Linda was consigned as Editor for Paumanok, Poems and Pictures of Long Island and has worked as an independent editor on various fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for authors and Professors.

Founder of Arise To Zion Ministries in 1998, Linda is a teacher, mentor and encourager. A resident of Bradenton, Florida, Linda will tell you that nothing she has done in life has been as good as having her children and grandchildren.

Dingwall says, "Linda has brought enthusiasm and a strong work ethic to our company and as we ease her into the day to day workings, she is efficiently handling queries, acting as copy-editor, and assisting with social networking and marketing. I'm excited to gain more time as she partners with me to produce more exceptional books."

New Year, New Author, New Spring Books!

Please meet Janet Heijens, author of Snook Wallow: A Wrongful Conviction Mystery, the first in a new series. Coming April 1st.

In her debut novel, Wrongful Conviction, Janet Heijens takes on a justice system gone wrong. Published by Five Star, an imprint of Cengage Learning, Wrongful Conviction drew critical acclaim by Kirkus Reviews, “Heijens premiers a rare heroine who's both gritty and reflective. Here's hoping for a series.” After Five Star let go of all their mystery authors to concentrate on publishing westerns, Heijens was picked up by Canterbury House to publish A Wrongful Convictions Mystery series.

A founding member of the Sarasota Literary Guild, Heijens is also a member of the Mystery Writers of America and Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime. She lives with her husband, Pieter in Sarasota, Florida.

Snook Wallow weaves together the stories of two illegal immigrants and the men convicted of killing them.

After ten years on death row for murdering a Jane Doe, Logan Murphy is nearing the end of the line. Logan’s last hope rests with Cate Stokes, a retired lawyer who reluctantly agrees to take his case. Cate’s relentless pursuit of the truth leads her to the discovery of a human trafficking ring in South Florida and the chilling realization that Jane Doe was not their only victim.

April 1st, Witch: The Restoration Trilogy, Book Three releases!

Denise Weimer authored The Georgia Gold Series (Sautee Shadows, The Gray Divide, The Crimson Bloom, and Bright as Gold), historical romance with a touch of mystery set in Northeast Georgia and Savannah between the Gold Rush and Reconstruction. Book four won the 2015 John Esten Cooke Award for authentic Southern literature. Denise’s background includes a journalism degree from Asbury University, magazine writing, and raising a family in Georgia, where she frames her stories.

In her final book of The Restoration Trilogy, having restored Michael Johnson’s ancestors’ house and apothecary shop and begun applying the lessons of family and forgiveness unearthed from the past, Jennifer Rushmore expects to complete her first preservation job with the simple relocation of a log home. But as her crew reconstructs the 1787 cabin, home to the first Dunham doctor, attacks on those involved throw suspicion on neighbors and friends alike. And while Jennifer has trusted God and Michael with the pain of her past, it appears Michael’s been keeping his own secrets. Will she use a dream job offer from Savannah as an escape, or will a haunting tale from a Colonial diary convince her to rely on the faithfulness of his love?

From our House to yours, we wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

DescriptionHaving restored Michael Johnson’s ancestors’ house and apothecary shop and begun applying the lessons of family and forgiveness unearthed from the past, Jennifer Rushmore expects to complete her first preservation job with the simple relocation of a log home. But as her crew reconstructs the 1787 cabin, home to the first Dunham doctor, attacks on those involved throw suspicion on neighbors and friends alike. And while Jennifer has trusted God and Michael with the pain of her past, it appears Michael’s been keeping his own secrets. Will she use a dream job offer from Savannah as an escape, or will a haunting tale from a Colonial diary convince her to rely on the faithfulness of his love?

In her debut novel, Wrongful Conviction, Janet Heijens takes on a justice system gone wrong. Published by Five Star, an imprint of Cengage Learning, Wrongful Conviction drew critical acclaim by Kirkus Reviews, “Heijens premiers a rare heroine who's both gritty and reflective. Here's hoping for a series.” After Five Star let go of all their mystery authors to concentrate on publishing westerns, Heijens was picked up by Canterbury House to publish a Wrongful Convictions Mystery series.

A founding member of the Sarasota Literary Guild, Heijens is also a member of the Mystery Writers of America and Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime. She lives with her husband, Pieter in Sarasota, Florida.

The first in a new series, Snook Wallow: A Wrongful Conviction Mystery weaves together the stories of two illegal immigrants and the men convicted of killing them.

After ten years on death row for murdering a Jane Doe, Logan Murphy is nearing the end of the line. Logan’s last hope rests with Cate Stokes, a retired lawyer who reluctantly agrees to take his case. Cate’s relentless pursuit of the truth leads her to the discovery of a human trafficking ring in South Florida and the chilling realization that Jane Doe was not their only victim.

Praise for Snook Wallow:

“With plenty of twists, turns, and surprises—and a sly smile—Snook Wallow introduces a savvy new detective, and a great cast of characters. Put this on your beach reading list.” – Michael Sears, author of the award-winning Jason Stafford series

“Janet Heijens’ gripping novel introduces a relentless—take-no-prisoners—new protagonist onto the crime scene on Florida’s west coast. Cate Stokes tackles the terrifying elements of illegal immigration as she fights to save a convict on death row. Snook Wallow is the first of a series that promises more ‘wrongful conviction’ cases and I can’t wait for the next one.” – Patricia Gussin, New York Times Best-selling Author of After the Fall.

“Snook Wallow is a fast-paced thriller with fun, complex characters and a plot that will keep you guessing. I couldn't put it down.” - Lisa Black, NYT Bestselling author of That Darkness

“Janet Heijens has created a page turner filled with interesting characters, a sense of what it's like to live along the Gulf Coast of Florida, and plot twists to keep the reader guessing. Don't miss this one. Snook Wallow is a keeper.” – Maris Soule, Author of the P.J. Benson Mystery series.

“There are some bad actors in South Florida and Janet Heijens captures them very well. Drug dealers, human traffickers and murderers populate her book Snook Wallow and lawyer Cate Stokes has to deal with them all in order to save someone from a certain death. An insightful look into the dark side of the Sunshine State, Heijens knows the territory!” – Don Bruns, USA Today Best-selling Author of three highly praised series.